Humanitarianism and Strength
The book Humanitarianism and Strength by G.K. Chesterton discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between humanitarian values and strength in society. It argues that while it is important to be compassionate towards others, it is also necessary to have the strength to stand up for what one believes in. The book explores various historical examples of societies that have failed due to an imbalance between these two qualities.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Essay, Philosophy, Social Commentary · 2,047 words
First lines
Somebody writes complaining of something I said about progress. I have forgotten what I said, but I am quite certain that it was (like a certain Mr. Douglas in a poem which I have also forgotten) tender and true. In any case, what I say now is this. Human history is so rich and complicated that you can make out a case for any course of improvement or retrogression. I could make out that the world has been growing more democratic, for the English franchise has certainly grown more democratic. I could also make out that the world has been growing more aristocratic, for the English Public Schools have certainly grown more aristocratic. I could prove the decline of militarism by the decline of flogging; I could prove the increase of militarism by the increase of standing armies and conscription. But I can prove anything in this way. I can prove that the world has always been growing greener. Only lately men have invented absinthe and the _Westminster Gazette_.
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Humanitarianism and Strength is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Philosophy, Social Commentary, Political Commentary, Satire
- Length: 2,047 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Duty Of The Strong by Gelett Burgess
- The Golden Rule by George Bernard Shaw
- The Voter And The Two Voices by G. K. Chesterton
- Greatest Happiness Principle by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- My Religion by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Loftiness Of Humility by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective and argumentative essay, exploring philosophical and social themes.
- Philosophy — The text delves into philosophical discussions about progress, civilization, and morality.
- Social Commentary — It provides critical observations on societal norms and behaviors, particularly in relation to humanitarianism and strength.
- Political Commentary — The work discusses political themes, such as democracy, militarism, and European civilization.
Tags
humanitarianism · strength · philosophy · ethics · social justice · morality · altruism · courage · compassion · individualism · community · sacrifice